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Cairn Patient GroupUnfortunately, our PPG has been closed but we will use surveys and a new waiting room display system to communicate with patients.

Out of HoursWhen the surgery is closed and you are too ill to wait until it re-opens, contact NHS 24 on 111

AppointmentsWe aim to have appointments available to be booked up to 6 weeks ahead but sometimes that is not possible. Please either book online or telephone 709709 to request an appointment

Home VisitsIf you are unable to come to the surgery, the doctor may visit you at home if this is medically appropriate. (Patients who are housebound or too ill to come to the Practice). We ask that patients do not abuse this service as a home visit takes up approximately 4 to 5 normal appointment slots

Cairn Newsletter

Blue/Green Algae Infestations

We have been made aware of Blue/Green algae forming in some of the local water courses, so please be vigilant if you areclose to water, especially if you are exercising a dog.

So far, there has been one incident involving the death of a family pet from suspected ingestion of blue-green algae on the River Conon.

During this current period of prolonged warm weather, the chance of Blue Green algae (cyanobacteria) affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs and canals (as well as rivers), increases significantly. Sometimes the blue green algae can form blooms, which can release toxins into the water.

Contact with blue-green algae can have health effects for humans and animals; the incident is being investigated by Highland Council Environmental Health Department in partnership with NHS Highland Public Health Department and wider colleagues.

A subsequent inspection of the site at the River Conon would appear to indicate the presence of blue-green algae. Sampling of the water has been undertaken to confirm. Notices have been posted on the 9th July at the footpath to Moy island on the River Conon warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided by people and pets. Adjoining landowners and fishing interests have been advised of the situation.

We are also aware of a second possible incident of a dog dying following contact with water. This occurred at Aldourie Bay on the south side of Loch Ness. The case was reported on Thursday 5th July and circumstances of this case are currently being investigated.

There has been suspected or confirmed BGA in the following areas:

• Loch Tarff

• River Conon

• Aldourie Bay

• Wick River

• Thurso River salmon pool

The short term effects of bathing in, or swallowing, the affected water could be:

• Topical skin irritation/rashes

• Eye irritation

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

• Fever

• Pains in muscles and joint

Although severe illnesses and deaths have been reported in animals, there have been no reports of long-term illness or deaths in humans following exposure to blue-green algae in recreational waters in the UK. There is no specific treatment advised but if affected you should not have any further direct contact with the water.

Recall of Children's Cough/Cold medication.

Bell, Sons & Co is recalling 15 batches of the cough syrups listed above to patient-level as a precautionary measure due to a small number of reports of mould. Please see the table below for information on which products/batches are affected.

It is important for people to check if they have any bottles from the batches of the blackcurrant cough syrups listed above. If they do, they should not take them or give them to others. They should return any bottles of the batches above to the shop or pharmacy they bought it from. The mould is not always visible so they should return any bottles of the cough syrups from the batches above even if they can’t see the mould.

Whilst the possibility of a reaction to the mould is low, if parents are concerned their child has had a reaction they should speak to their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.

Active Health Events

We have partnered with "Own Your Street Inverness" in an initiative to lead the way in making our streets and outdoors spaces safe, friendly, and lovely for walkers and cyclists of all ages, all incomes and all abilities, whatever their motivation.

There are 3 events in the near future:

Thursday 21st 6pm Big Fit walk – starting from Cairn Medical Practice, Inverness: 40 mins all levels. The Big Fit Walk is Paths for All’s annual campaign that takes place throughout June with t...he simple aim of getting communities more active. It is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the benefits of being active. It is good for physical health, mental well-being and helps to create social links. A walk is an easy, free and enjoyable way to keep active!

Saturday 30th 12-3pm Cycle Surgery @ Cairn Medical Practice – bring your bike to have a free diagnosis and even maybe get mended for free. Freebies to give away and if you haven’t got a bike but would like to find out about getting one, this might be the event for you!